Japan hit by 50 cm tsunami following 5.9 magnitude earthquake

Tokyo: A 50-centimetre tsunami struck an island south of Tokyo on Tuesday after a 5.9 magnitude earthquake. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a tsunami advisory for the Izu and Ogasawara islands shortly after the earthquake but lifted it by 11 am local time, stating that tsunami activity had decreased.

Minor sea level changes may still occur for about half a day. The earthquake, which hit at 8:14 a.m. local time, had its epicentre near Torishima in the Izu island chain, about 10 kilometres underground.

At 8:58 am, the tsunami reached Hachijo Island, around 180 kilometres from the quake's epicentre, and a smaller 10-centimetre tsunami was detected at Miyake Island. So far, no injuries have been reported, according to Tokyo police.

The JMA had initially predicted tsunami waves could reach up to 1 metre and advised the public to stay away from coastal areas. While the advisory has been lifted, the agency continues to warn against activities like fishing and swimming due to possible fluctuations in sea levels.

Agency